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Bronny James helps USC turn aside Alabama State to end 3-game skid

December 20, 2023

USC guard Isaiah Collier brings the ball up the court during the second half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Alabama State guard CJ Hines gets around USC forward DJ Rodman as he drives to the basket during the first half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC coach Andy Enfield talks with guard Bronny James during the first half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James handles the ball during the first half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James reacts to a call during the first half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Alabama State guard TJ Madlock drives around USC guard Kobe Johnson during the first half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James listens to Coach Andy Enfield during a timeout in the second half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Isaiah Collier drives to the basket around Alabama State center Ubong Okon during the second half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James dribbles around Alabama State forward Eric Coleman during the second half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James reacts to a call during the first half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC forward DJ Rodman takes a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC forward Harrison Hornery, top, battles for a loose ball with Alabama State guard Micah Octave during the second half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC head coach Andy Enfield reacts to a call during the second half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Kobe Johnson dribbles around Alabama State forward Eric Coleman during the second half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James looks to drive around Alabama State guard Micah Octave as he brings the ball up the court during the second half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Alabama State forward Eric Coleman, left, and USC guard Bronny James battle for a rebound during the second half on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James handles the ball during the second half of their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

USC guard Bronny James warms up before their game against Alabama State on Tuesday night in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

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By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Bronny James showed off his shooting touch and USC snapped a three-game losing streak.

Arrinten Page scored 12 points and James provided a second-half spark with two quick 3-pointers in his third college game, helping USC roll to a 79-59 victory over Alabama State on Tuesday night.

A few days shy of five months after suffering cardiac arrest, James had a strong second half to help the Trojans (6-5) get their first win since Nov. 29. The son of Lakers star LeBron James hit a pair of 3-pointers in less than two minutes after Alabama State (4-6) had shaved a 26-point margin to 14.

“He’s a terrific shooter,” USC coach Andy Enfield said of the former Sierra Canyon High standout. “He just needs to be able to shoot when he gets winded. Tonight it was nice to see him because he was able to run up and down the court and was able to make a couple of 3s when he was somewhat tired.

“He’s one of our better shooters on the team and he’s also a very smart player with the ball in his hands.”

Isaiah Collier had 11 points, six assists and five rebounds for USC and Kobe Johnson had 11 points and eight rebounds. Kijani Wright had eight points and four rebounds and Joshua Morgan had seven points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots in 19 minutes off the bench.

TJ Madlock had 17 points and Isaiah Range had 13 to lead Alabama State, which shot just 32.9% from the field and was outrebounded 52-39.

James shot 2 for 5 from behind the arc for six points and had three rebounds, an assist and a steal while playing a season-high 17 minutes, 32 seconds. He also committed three turnovers and was called for a pair of first-half charges, which Enfield said “were a little questionable as far as whether the defense is moving.”

“I feel like he’s only going to get better,” said Collier, also a prized freshman recruit. “We told him he needs to shoot the ball more when he’s open.”

LeBron James, whose Lakers play at the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, was not in attendance.

Bronny James entered the game with USC’s lead cut to 43-29 early in the second half. Less than a minute later, he drained a 3-pointer from the right corner for his first points, showing more reaction on the other end protesting that he was fouled.

It has been a gradual road back for James, who had one 3-pointer and nine points in his first two games, losses to Long Beach State and Auburn.

“He has to get in game shape and he is on minutes restriction,” Enfield said. “Bronny’s done a terrific job of just trying to understand what we’re doing as a team, being out for so long, to get his timing back. I thought he played very well tonight.”

USC shot 21 for 28 from the free-throw line while Alabama State was just 5 for 9.

The game was part of a series of games Pac-12 teams are playing at HBCU schools.

Orange County Register

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Bronny James helps USC turn aside Alabama State to end 3-game skid

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